Christine Studios

The Engagement of Kate and Tyler

Gary — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 03:08:36 +0000

When I walked up to the Poughkeepsie train station with camera gear in tow, I was meeting Kate and Tyler in person for the first time. After several phone calls and “meeting” each other via Skype, I was looking forward to finally meeting them and take their engagement photos.
Although there is probably feet of snow back in Maine where Kate and Tyler call home, we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day.
After moving around the station, stopping at a few spots, getting all the nervousness out, we found a really awesome spot, tucked under the stairs at the very far end of the platform. It was at this spot, Kate and Tyler really opened up and let their love and personalities shine. It was here where Kate confessed that she hoped her posing was coming out the way I was instructing because she “felt like a broken toy that you just couldn’t move the way you wanted”. HAHAHA Seriously! Kate, not to worry, I think everyone will agree you looked amazing!
After moving around the train station, we took a quick drive down the road to the waterfront park. To my surprise, one tree remained with golden fall foliage and we took full advantage.
I had an awesome time with Kate and Tyler and can’t wait for your wedding this May.

Don’t forgot to click on the link at the bottom of this post to view the FULL GALLERY
Poughkeepsie Train Station – Poughkeepsie, NY

CLICK HERE to view the FULL ONLINE GALLERY

The Engagement of Laura and Alan

Gary — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:06:05 +0000

I absolutely LOVE when couples come to either an engagement session or even their wedding with ideas and even props. What a better prop to bring to a Saturday morning engagement session then wine from the Napa Valley. We started our session with some nice “warm up” locations all while watching the clock, counting down the minutes until the clock struck noon.. C’mon they had to at least wait until noon to drink (illegally at a state park, btw.. shhhhhh). But it became apparent that Laura and Alan didn’t need any time to warm up to the camera. By profession, Alan being a man from my side of camera, I expected some hesitation or nervousness but I learned a great lesson.. Aussie’s don’t need warm ups!! The two of them just seamed so natural and comfortable together. I always try to keep my direction to a minimum and just let people be themselves and that’s exactly what I captured..
Two people in love with each other (and their wine), enjoying an absolutely beautiful fall morning together.
And I need to publicly give some serious credit to Laura for some of the stunning poses she held. Anyone who thinks that sitting on a park bench, supporting your weight on your elbow all while turning your hips like a zillion degrees, should try it now and see if you can hold it as long as Laura and look as beautiful as she did. I know a woman held the pose perfectly in two ways.. First, you can see the elegance right away in the image.. The second is when she tells me via Facebook the next day how sore she is. lol (sorry Laura, I had to). I think everyone will agree that it was worth the workout and that Laura looked absolutely stunning.
Laura and Alan, keep the smiles, the laughs and the wine coming!! Can’t wait for your wedding next year!

Don’t forget to click on the link at the bottom of this post to view their full and complete online gallery.

Rockland Lake State Park- Valley Cottage, NY

CLICK HERE to view the FULL ONLINE GALLERY

The Engagement of Skyler and Kevin

Gary — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 20:06:49 +0000

On the windiest day since the summer hurricane, Skyler and Kevin ventured up from their home in Virginia for an engagement session along the Hudson River in their former home of Tarrytown, NY. Seriously, the wind was nuts!! The weather channel reported gusts around 45mph! Well, like I tell every bride, you’ll never beat the weather, so lets use it! Skyler and Kevin were amazing with dealing with both the wind and the cold. Women kill for the natural hair blown look and that’s exactly what we did. Venturing out on the dock where Kevin proposed, it’s easy to see how perfect they are for each other. There wasn’t any awkwardness.. They just lit up in front of the lens. Some scenes are perfect to show the closeness and love of a couple and sometimes, as I did with Kevin a few times, I ask the groom to step aside and let his beautiful bride shine. Skyler, showing a bit of adventurousness and confidence stole those images away!
It’s going to be an absolutely beautiful wedding and a wonderful life together.
Skyler and Kevin, wishing you all the best and warmest wishes as you count down the days to your wedding.

Please enjoy a preview of their engagement session. A link to the FULL GALLERY is at the bottom, under the video.

CLICK HERE to view the FULL ONLINE GALLERY

The Wedding the Jessica and John

Gary — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:40:19 +0000

With an engagement session filled with dirt bikes, 4-wheelers, goats, chickens and 12 gauge shotguns, I knew that there was going to be some real special moments to capture at Jessica and John’s wedding. But I was shocked the biggest was to their increidble first dance, a perfectly performed redition of the famous dance scene from Dirty Dancing. If you know John, you’d think the only time this guy would do anything related to dirty dancing would be if he turned his ipod on while at a dirty construction site.. (yeah right…. John with an iPod!! haha) But to the surprise of EVERYONE except myself and Andrew from Enriquez Entertainment, Jessica and John pulled off one of the greatest wedding surprises since that viral youtube wedding video to Chris Brown.
Reverend Egensteiner was right when he described Jessica and John as coming from “the salt of the earth”. I’ve never met two more down to earth, happy, easy going and easy to like people then Jess and John. I don’t think I could do this for another 50 years and ever have another groom show up to our 1 month before the wedding meeting and bring photo albums to show me his bee sting. But that’s John and you just gota love him for it! Jessica, is without a doubt, the absolute perfect compliment to John. Jessica is probably the most elegant bride I’ve ever met, even when she’s pumping out 12 gauge rounds. Each bring something so unique to the relationship and each eager and willing to meet the other half way.
The day started out at The Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel for some getting ready images of both Jessica and John. While there were no real surprises from the ladies, I learned that Michael, John’s brother prefers to put his shoes on first, and then get into his pants. Michael, blogging about this might break some “man code” but dude, really???? You’ll have to explain that one in more detail one day.
Off to The Grandview where the sky held off just long enough for a truly moving ceremony on the outdoor patio. We had to move some of the formals in side as it began to rain. But as proof to all brides that rain should never be feared, we captured some of my new all time favorite images with Jessica and John huddled together under the umbrella with the threatening sky overhead.
Add in the usual awesomeness of Andrew, Mike and Drew of Enriquez Entertainment, and we had ourselves a really fun wedding.
Jessica and John, I’m really so happy to have met you guys. You’ve introduced me to new experiences and new ways of getting dressed (thanks again Michael!). I wish you both all the love and happiness you have to give each other forever. I hope we continue to hang out and who knows John, maybe I’ll take Gene’s suggestion and join your team!

Please enjoy a preview of all your wonderful wedding images.

Accommodations: The Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel – Poughkeepsie, NY
Makup: Meredith Haymen Makeup Artists – Hudson Valley, NY
Florist: Lucille’s Floral Design – Fishkill, NY
Hair: Lucia Patane – Waves Hair Salon - Hawthorne, NY
Officient: Rev Paul Egensteiner – Hudson Valley, NY
Entertainment: Enriquez Entertainment – Marlboro, NY
Ceremony & Reception: The Grandview – Poughkeepsie, NY

The Wedding of Kelly and Derek

Gary — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:59:13 +0000

Believe it or not, this wedding pro has never seen the movie Bridesmaids! Seriously! Well, after Kelly and Derek’s wedding, it was immediately added to my Netflix list! When we arrived in the hotel, Kelly and the real bridesmaids had been watching the movie for the last two hours and could probably quote every line in the movie. From what I heard, it’s a must see for every bride! Ideas immediately began flying back and forth and someone suggested we recreate the movie poster from the movie (see one of the images below).
With the pre-wedding hustle and bustle, everyone was so prepared and ahead of schedule we were just about to leave and head to Winding Hills to do some photos of Derek and the guys, when something caught my eye. It really was just an ordinary window at the end of a long hallway but something about the curtain and the light caught my eye. I had to bring Kelly out to the hallway for a quick photo. With a line of bridesmaids blocking any onlookers view, I photographed Kelly in what is sure to be one of my all time favorite images.
Winding Hills was just beautiful. There’s no other way of putting it. An elegant white tent with a fantastic view of the course, was the perfect backdrop for a very personal and intimate ceremony.
And perhaps my favorite reason for photographing at a golf course; it’s almost certain I get to drive a golf cart!!!! Down to the 9th hole and the most famous landmark of the course, we spent some time photographing the family formals and some great images with the bridal party (including the “Bridesmaids” movie poster).
With the sun setting, it was time to leave Windings Hills and head to Anthony’s Pier 9 to party the night away with the one, the only, the legend, D.J. Octavius. It didn’t matter if you were 3 years or 85 years old, D.J. Octavius had you up on your feet dancing!
What can I say about Kelly and Derek. Derek had a look on his face all night each time he looked at his beautiful bride. I’ve seen that look, I know that look. It’s the look of admiration, love and astonishment that, “wow, I just married my best friend”.

Kelly and Derek, I wish all the love and happiness in the world together.
Enjoy a small previous of all your wedding images. Thanks for having us a part of it!

Ceremony: Winding Hills Golf Course – Montgomery, NY
Reception: Anthony’s Pier 9 – New Windsor, NY
Florist: Tom’s Greenhouse & Florist – Goshen, NY
Hair/Makeup: Ciao Bella – Campbell Hall, NY
Entertainment: DJ Octavious – Middletown, NY

The Wedding of Stephanie and Dave

Gary — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:50:15 +0000

What can I say about Stephanie and Dave that I didn’t already say when I blogged about our engagement session.. I proclaimed then, we were going to have a great time at their wedding and they sure didn’t let me down for a second. I think I knew for sure that we were going to really enjoy ourselves about a month before the wedding when we met to go over all the final arrangements. It was at this meeting, Stephanie and Dave shared with me the plan for their details at the wedding, themed around the Yankees. This included a pinstripe cake, small batters’ hats for ice cream and tables named after famous Yankees. It was at that moment, things took a turn to the nutty! Combine Stephanie’s knowledge of Yankee legends and the sarcastic humor that Stephanie, Dave and I share, and a list began to form of what some possible/funny/inappropriate Yankee table names or just general wedding related Yankee references could be.. I wouldn’t dare share the full list in public but some of our favorites were (warning, some are very obscure):
- Powder sugar desserts at the Dwight Gooden Table
- Kids will sit at the Jeffrey Meyer Table
- The Chuck Knoblauch bouquet toss.
- The Kevin Maas Mass
- The main entree will be the Bob Shepard Pies.
- All guests will drink at the Brian “Cash”man Bar
All kidding aside, Stephanie, Dave and their families weren’t just great people with great sense of humors but just warm, emotional people who opened their home and their hearts to allow us to be a part and capture the images of their wedding. By profession, Stephanie helps people but it was obvious, this characteristic doesn’t end when she walks out the doors of the hospital. It was clear that Stephanie and Dave just wanted everyone to have a great time at their wedding. And their attitudes and the wonderful people they surround themselves with, helped make this such a warm and fun wedding for all!
Stephanie and Dave, you guys were so much fun from day 1. Never stop giggling at each other, never take things to seriously and Dave, never put down that whistle!
Thank you so much for allowing us to be part of your special day. I hope these images bring you laughter and love forever!

Enjoy just a small preview of all your wonderful wedding images!
Ceremony: Blessed Kateri – LaGrangeville, NY
Reception: The Grandview, Outdoor Ballroom – Poughkeepsie, NY
Florist: Sabellico Greenhouses and Florist – Hopewell Junction, NY
Hair/Make-up: Marlene Weber Spa – Poughkeepsie, NY
Music: The Jim Osborn Band

A 17 hour timelapse video of Hurricane Irene

Gary — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 20:16:43 +0000

Saturday night, I set my camera up in a window armed with the 10.5mm fisheye lens. I set the camera to take a single photo once every minute.. Let it run for 17 hours and 1082 images later, here’s what the hurricane looked like.

The Engagement of Jen and Brian

Gary — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:08:11 +0000

They say good things are worth waiting for. And proving that correct, Jen is a really great thing! More then11 years after they met on the basketball court at their families upstate campground, Jen and Brian returned to the very same spot for their engagement session and a game of one-on-one (in heals for Jen. Brian wore sneakers.. The heels didn’t fit him).

With years upon years of memories and milestones in their relationship taking place at the campground, we had many locations to cover.

My favorite location was actually our first. It was the bed of the once powerful river (now damned up) that actually feeds NYC its water. Carefully trying not to fall and bust my face or my camera, I climbed over rocks until I was standing on a big boulder center river to take some photos of Jen and Brian along the short line. Brian even took out his cell and grabbed a photo of me. And once we were done here and started walking back over the rocks, Jen stopped at one particular place and I just had to stop her mid tracks to do some individual portraits of her. Such power and beauty in the way she naturally was standing on the rocks, I had to kindly ask Brian to move out of the shot because he was ruining it. lol. Just kidding Brian

We then moved on to a camp site overlooking the river at the edge of a cliff.. Now, I’m not good with heights.. It’s why I’m not a tall man. But on the edge of the cliff, Jen and Brian held on to each other and looked out as if they’ve done this a thousand times before.

We visited about a half a dozen other spots including the “Flamingo Lounge”, a really awesome makeshift bar at a friends camp site.

And then on to the basketball court, the very spot where Brian and his friends reluctantly allowed some girl to shoot some hoops with them because they didn’t have even teams. (From the stories I heard, Jen kicked his butt that day). Knowing the significance and importance of this location, I wanted to create a image for them that shows off the spot and the moment their lives together began. I wanted it to be a dramatic spotlight that says, “it all comes down to here”.

Jen and Brian, I really appreciate you not laughing at me when I screamed like a little girl when i saw the snake! I told you, I’m not an outdoorsman. My idea of “roughing it”, is when I don’t get good 3G reception on my iPhone. I had a really great time with you guys and I’m actually really sad the wedding is so far away.

Enjoy your Engagement Session images!

Nickerson Park Campground in Gilboa, NY

CLICK HERE to view the FULL ONLINE GALLERY

The Engagement of Jessica and John

Gary — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:14:42 +0000

I have been looking forward to Jessica and John’s engagement session from… well.. I think it was since our first meeting, before they even booked me. John said, “we want to go on our dirt bikes, 4-wheeling, and shoot off the 12-gauge shotgun.” My mind started racing right away with all the photo opportunities and possibilities with such an unconventional idea for an engagement session. Originally scheduled back in June, a weekend of full rain forced us to postpone but it was all for the best as we eventually had one of the best days this summer had to offer.

After arriving “upstate” at Jessica’s family’s house, the session started off nice and romantic with some fresh blueberry picking in the fields. There is always a bit of “what do you want us to do?” at the beginning of any photo session but I think John settled in to feel more comfortable as Jessica began to feed him blueberries like the roman Caesar he THINKS he is. Just kidding John. (see the last photo in the preview below for more details)

Next, we were off to my favorite spot on her family’s 45 acre land. It was just a wide open field with tall grass that you can just get lost in if you wanted. This spot really made me feel like, if you wanted to get a way together to just walk, talk and be alone, this is where you’d go. So I wanted the images here to reflect that sense of privacy and seclusion. After some individual portraits in the shade with the incredibly beautiful Jessica, we were off to shoot a bear. Don’t worry, it was a styrofoam target bear. Having never really seen a bow and arrow up close (not counting Kevin Costner in Robin Hood), I was really impressed by the power and control you must have to use it. We spent about 10 minutes trying to get one photo of the arrow just leaving John’s bow in flight. And in the end, I was actually able to capture it!I think that was a much better idea then the first suggestion which was a photo of John shooting an apple off my head. Probably not the best idea on several levels.

Next stop on the adventure was to say hi to the sheep who were tucked away in their shed, hiding from the sun. I took that opportunity to ask if they were usually this “baaaaaaaaaaaaashful” (Yep, the reaction you have now reading that is about the same I got) But in all seriousness, the sheep rocked! They really were cute and clearly recognized Jessica and came right over. They were acting more like dogs then sheep. After a photo of one sheep kissing Jessica and then turning to John for a big wet one, I learned that there’s some joke about constructions workers and sheep?? I’m still not quite sure what it meant but perhaps when I’m older, someone can explain it to me.

And what’s a visit with sheep without stopping to say hi to the chickens? Aside from John at the beginning of the session, the chickens were the most shy in front of the camera. It took a lot of coaxing to get some clicks from those mother cluckers, but I didn’t want to push them too far and be accused of any foul play. (Did I get enough puns in there?)

With the sheep and chickens off having lunch, it was time for the big guns. LITERALLY!! Jessica and John each toting their own shotgun, stepped up to the firing line to shoot some skeet. Having never fired any type of weapon before, I was so impressed with their skills and handling of the gun. If I met Jessica walking the streets of Stamford, I would never place her as someone who can handle a big ole’ 12-gauge but holy crap can she!

Now, I’m not going to write much about how they turned to me and offered to let me try shooting some skeet, having NEVER picked up any gun in my life. I’m not going to write much about how I totally kicked butt and hit 17 of 20 on my very first time and how Jessica’s dad didn’t believe that I’ve never done that.. I’m not going to write much about that at all.

With the heavy iron safely put away, out comes the dirt bike. I’ve been perfecting a lighting technique for a while but really haven’t had a chance to use it in the right environment. As I sat on the ground drinking some water, Jon pulls the bike right next to me and as I look up and it, DING, I have an idea to use this stupor. We arrange and that the photo and after some post production back in the studio, it becomes one of my all time favorite photos I’ve ever taken! No Joke!

After all the bows and sheep and chickens and guns and dirt bikes, i wanted to make sure to capture the other side of Jessica and John. The side that just loves being with each other, loves laughing and goofing around. The side that just wants to be in each others arms.

I really had such a great time with Jessica and John. I love when people open up their lives to me and allow me to photograph such a meaning part of who they are. I really cant wait for this wedding!! You guys were awesome!!

CLICK HERE to view the FULL ONLINE GALLERY

The Wedding of Jenny and Justin

Gary — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 22:11:52 +0000

Jenny and Justin know how to take photos in the extreme. Extreme weather I mean. It started with their engagement session this past winter on one of the coldest days of the year. So cold, we were able to put our mothers’ assumed warnings aside and venture out into the middle of a frozen lake. So it would be very fitting for their wedding to be on the hottest day of the year. But even with the buzz of several fans echoing in church and the mercury rising well over 90, Jenny and Justin once again didn’t let the extreme weather get in their way.

I absolutely love when wedding details are picked and planned because it has meaning to the bride and groom. Jenny and Justin met while attending college at Manhattanville. They must have walked thru the castle many times over the course of their time there and possibly even then knew that one day, they’d get married in the chapel and have a bird land on her uncles head during the ceremony. (Ok, maybe that didn’t cross their mind.)
Arriving early and walking around the castle, I had picked out a few spots and just knew I had to bring Jenny and Justin back for photos. With family and bridal party photos done and the limos off to the reception we explored the castle and the amazing green lawn just in front.

Wait!! The limos left????? Well, we when we say that we’re FULL SERVICE photography, we mean it. Yes, Rachel and I became the chariot that delivered Jenny and Justin to their reception. I always joke that I keep backup of everything in my car.. I guess after Saturday, I’ll need to install a mini fridge to keep Champagne chilled. (Actually, that’s not a bad idea!!) We were so focused (no pun intended) on delivering them to the reception, we actually forgot to get a photo of them in my car. Grrrrrrr. Or even better would have been a photo of the valet’s face at the Marriott when we pulled up and they got out.

With everyone now in the comfort of air conditioning, an awesome party began behind the amazing power and sounds of the Whoz Ya Daddy Band. Not only were they an amazing band that kept the floor packed all night, but a great group of people to sit and have dinner with.
And as Jenny and Justin now pack for their honeymoon, and turn down my offer for me to chauffeur them again (to the airport this time), I’d like to share a small preview of the images from their wonderful wedding with many more to come!

Jenny and Justin, have an amazing time in Tahiti. I hope Justin’s feet can finally warm up after being frozen during our engagement session when I had him walking through 2 feet of snow in sneakers.

Ceremony: Manhattanville College – Purchase, NY
Reception: Tarrytown Marriott – Tarrytown, NY
Flowers by: Stew Leonard’s Florist
Music and Entertainment: Whoz Ya Daddy Band